Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)

Morris Creek is two miles long, drains a seven (7) square mile watershed, and empties into the Kanawha River through the City of Montgomery. Aquatic life is impacted by mine drainage, sediment erosion, and other land use practices. 

Thanks to dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and a nationwide network of mutually beneficial partnerships, Morris Creek is once again a healthy thriving Southern Appalachian ecosystem. We invite you to come celebrate with us, but be ready to get your feet wet. There's still work to do. 

Please take time to checkout all other projects and Let us know what interests you the most. We have something for everybody, hope you can join us, and have a pair of waders waiting for you! Explore all MCWA projects using our interactive GIS Data Dashboard.  

Mine drainage is formed when pyrite (an iron sulfide) is exposed and reacts with air and water to form sulfuric acid and dissolved iron. Some or all of this iron can precipitate to form the red, orange, or yellow sediments in the bottom of streams containing mine drainage. The acid runoff further dissolves heavy metals such as copper, lead, and mercury into groundwater or surface water. The rate and degree by which acid-mine drainage proceeds can be increased by the action of certain bacteria.

Problems associated with mine drainage include contaminated drinking water, disrupted growth and reproduction of aquatic plants and animals, and the corroding effects of the acid on parts of infrastructures such as bridges. (Source: USGS)